EP3394367A1

EP3394367A1 - Telescopic unit for storing a cover element inside a storage room

Info

Publication number: EP3394367A1
Application number: EP16826408.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michel Mahaut
Original assignee: EC2M
Current assignee: EC2M
Priority date: 2015-12-21
Filing date: 2016-12-20
Publication date: 2018-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-20
Also published as: FR3045694B1; WO2017109380A1; FR3045694A1; EP3394367B1

Abstract

A unit for storing, inside a room (2), a device for covering or exposing a surface using a cover element (6) that is moved by means of a deployment/storage system (8), said unit comprising: a telescopic part that can move between a retracted position and an extended position; a motor-driven system for moving the telescopic part vertically between the retracted position and the extended position; a mechanism for automatically lifting the telescopic part, permanently exerting a lifting force on said part so as to move same between the retracted position and the extended position; and a controlled system for controlling the lifting mechanism, comprising at least one motor-driven winch rotates a drum for winding at least one strap (66).

Description

TELESCOPING STORAGE FACILITY INSIDE A STORAGE ROOM OF A COVERING ELEMENT

The present invention relates to the technical field of digging and uncovering a surface in the general sense with the aid of a covering element.

The object of the invention finds application in all areas where a surface delimiting a two or three-dimensional space must be covered by a covering or protective element with roll-up or stackable nature, such as, for example, a tarpaulin, a curtain or a shutter with blades or rigid panels stackable.

The object of the invention finds applications to cover, for example, a pool or a surface defining the volume of a vehicle, a container or a particular room.

In the state of the art, there are many solutions for handling a cover element over a surface.

For example, patent EP 0 634 981 discloses a device for covering and uncovering a surface with the aid of a cover element displaced by means of a deployment / storage system comprising a drive mechanism in translation translation. one or more rigid chains at least in horizontal thrust. One end of the chain or chains is connected to a head beam on which is fixed one end of the cover element whose other end is fixed. The deployment / storage system also includes trolleys connected to the cover element and providing a temporary connection between the chain and the cover element. During their movements, a system acts on the carriages to secure them with the chain during deployment and to separate them from the chain during storage of the cover element. The chain is thus stored independently of the cover member and complete retraction of the device from the surface is achieved.

It should be noted that such a device for covering and uncovering a surface extends in a stowed position, mainly inside a fitted pit at one end of the surface to be covered. Overhanging the pit is a protective box in front of which is arranged a gate for the head beam of the cover element.

If in the storage position of the cover element, such a deployment / storage system is completely retracted relative to the surface to be covered, it must be noted that the box remains protruding from the peripheral range of the surface to cover. The presence of such a box around this surface creates an obstacle causing discomfort for movement around this surface and a visual nuisance more or less important depending on the environment in which the surface to be covered is located.

In an attempt to provide a solution to this problem, it is known a storage installation inside a pit, a device for covering and uncovering a surface using a covering element consisting of panels rigid. Such a storage facility comprises a telescopic crew guided in vertical displacement inside the pit. This telescopic crew supports the system that allows to store the panels in the superimposed position and deploy them horizontally one after the other. This telescopic crew, which is equipped with a roof closing the pit, is movable to occupy on the one hand, an outward position in which the roof delineates above the pit, a passage counter for the element of covering to cover and discover the surface and secondly, a retracted position in which the roof extends at the peripheral beach of the surface to be covered. The telescopic crew is moved between its retracted position and its output position, using a motorized vertical displacement system of the hydraulic cylinder type.

If such an installation allows to completely store inside the pit, the covering and uncovering device when the surface is discovered, it must be noted that such a facility is complex to implement and relatively expensive. In addition, the motorized system of vertical displacement of the telescopic crew requires the implementation of a fatty fluid, which is a source of contamination of the surrounding environment. Furthermore, such an installation requires the development of a pit of large dimensions for the superimposed storage of rigid panels.

It is also known from the patent application EP 0 462 609, a cover element comprising a series of rigid panels interconnected by chains and equipped with rollers This cover element is intended to be stored inside a pit at one end of the space to be covered. This pit is equipped with a guide structure for the rollers for storing panels whose chains cooperate with the pinions driven in rotation by a motor.

Regardless of the complexity of the system for storing this cover member, it should be noted that the pit closure panel protrudes from the peripheral range of the surface to be covered.

It is also known from patent FR 2997976, an installation for storing a device for covering and uncovering a surface, using a covering element. This installation comprises a telescopic crew guided in vertical displacement inside a pit, supporting a deployment / storage system and provided with a roof closing the pit. This telescopic crew is hideable to occupy on the one hand, a retracted position in which the roof extends substantially at the peripheral beach of the surface to be covered and on the other hand, an extended position in which the roof delimits at above the pit, a gateway for the cover element to cover or discover the surface. This installation also comprises a motorized system of vertical displacement of the telescopic crew between its retracted position and its extended position. This motorized system comprises two rigid chains at least in vertical thrust cooperating with a gear of a geared motor having a horizontally extending axis. Each chain has an end attached to a slide cooperating with a vertical guide system. If such an installation is satisfactory in practice, this installation has a relatively large size and is in practice, expensive and difficult to implement.

The present invention therefore aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing an installation for completely storing inside a chamber, a device for covering and uncovering a surface using a cover element, when it occupies its stored position, such a storage facility is easy to implement and at a reduced cost.

To achieve such a goal, the storage facility inside a chamber, a device for covering and uncovering a surface using a cover element moved using a system of deployment / storage, includes:

a telescopic crew guided in vertical displacement inside the chamber, supporting, at least in part, the storage / deployment system and provided with a closing roof of the chamber, this telescopic crew being movable to occupy on the one hand, a retracted position in which the roof extends substantially at the level of the peripheral beach of the surface and, on the other hand, an outward position in which the roof delimits above the pit, a window of passage for the cover element for covering or uncovering the surface;

- A motorized system of vertical displacement of the telescopic crew between its retracted position and its extended position.

According to the invention, the motorized system comprises:

- An automatic lifting mechanism of the telescopic crew permanently exerting on the telescopic crew a lifting force to ensure its movement between its retracted position and its extended position;

- A controlled system for controlling the lifting mechanism, comprising at least one motorized winch rotating a drum ensuring the winding and unwinding of at least one sling acting on the telescopic crew to control the lifting force applied by said lifting mechanism;

- And a control unit of the control system of the lifting mechanism for controlling the operation of the motorized winch to automatically move the telescopic crew from its retracted position to its extended position, and vice versa.

In addition, the installation according to the invention may further comprise in combination at least one and / or the following additional characteristics:

- The winding drum of the winch is mounted integral with the telescopic crew, the drum being rotated by a motor member supported by the telescopic crew;

- The drum ensures the winding of two slings winding near each end of the drum;

each sling cooperates with at least one return pulley in order to increase the counter-stress to the lifting force exerted by the lifting mechanism;

- The lifting mechanism comprises at least one compression spring mounted between the chamber and the telescopic crew;

- The lifting mechanism comprises at least two compression springs mounted between the chamber and a beam of the telescopic crew;

- the beam of the telescopic crew is provided with a closing roof of the room;

at least one vertical guidance system for the telescopic crew comprising at least one slide carried by the telescopic crew and cooperating with a slide fixed on the chamber;

a device for detecting at least the retracted and exit positions of the telescopic crew, this detection device being connected to the control unit in order to control the operation or the stopping of the motorized winch; - the telescopic crew is provided, as a storage / deployment system:

• a translation drive mechanism for at least one rigid chain at least in horizontal thrust and having an end connected to a head beam on which is fixed the cover element;

• Trolleys providing a temporary connection between the horizontal chain of thrust and the cover element, a system acting on the trolleys to secure them with the chain during deployment and detach them from the chain during storage;

· A guide for recovering the horizontal thrust chain.

Various other characteristics appear from the description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage system according to the invention, in the retracted position.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a storage system according to the invention, in the extended position.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a storage installation according to the invention in the extended position with the cover element in partial deployment position.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the motorized system of vertical displacement of the telescopic crew, shown in the retracted position.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the motorized system of vertical displacement of the telescopic crew, in the out position.

Figures 6 and 6A are elevational sectional views showing an exemplary embodiment of an automatic lifting mechanism of the telescopic crew, in respectively extended and retracted position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a motorized system of vertical displacement of the telescopic crew, comprising four compression springs. You! that is more precisely apparent from Figs. 1 to Fig. 7, the object of the invention relates to an installation 1 adapted to store inside a chamber 2, a device 3 for covering and discovering a surface 4 in the general sense, such as a swimming pool, a spa, an area of games or a container for example. The chamber 2 is arranged along a lateral edge 4i of the surface 4, close to or at a distance relatively close to the lateral edge 4χ of the surface 4. By convention, it is considered that the surface 4 to be covered has two edges 4i opposite sides and two opposite longitudinal edges 4 ₂ , delimited by a peripheral strip 5 made of any suitable materials. The chamber 2 is delimited by a buried pit or by a box made above ground.

The device 3 comprises a cover element 6 simply shown schematically in FIG. 3 and able to be moved using a deployment / storage system 8 which will be described in more detail in the following description. As is more particularly apparent from Figs. 1 to 3, the cover element 6 is intended to be moved by the system 8 in a direction of deployment fi so that it occupies the position of total overlap of the surface 4 and in a contrary direction of storage f ₂ so that the cover member 6 can be stored inside the chamber 2 so as to discover the surface 4. The cover element 6 can be made by a flexible tarpaulin or rigid articulated panels.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the movement and storage system 8 corresponds to the system described by patent EP 0 634 981.

The deployment / storage system 8 comprises a translation drive mechanism 10 for at least one and in the illustrated example, two chains 12 having the property of becoming rigid at least in thrust in a horizontal direction. Each chain 12 is constituted by a series of links articulated to each other about axes 13 and provided with shoulders 14 intended to bear against each other as and when the channels of the chamber 12 exit 2. Thus, the shoulders 14 are adapted to allow relative pivoting of the links in a given direction and to prohibit such pivoting in the opposite direction.

The channels 12 are adapted to move on the travel routes is laying on parts of the peripheral flange 5 located along the longitudinal edges 4 ₂ of the surface 4. These channels 12 are preferably equipped with rolling members for facilitate their translational movements on the peripheral beach of the surface 4.

The driving mechanism 10 also comprises for each chain 12, a pinion 15 driven in rotation (Fig. 4). Advantageously, the two pinions 15 are interconnected by a connecting shaft 16 rotated by a motor, not shown, whose operation is controlled to allow its rotation of the gears 15 in either direction of rotation in order to effecting movement of the chains 12 in the direction of deployment fi or meaning of f ₂ storage. One end of the chains 12 is connected to a head beam 18 on which the cover element 6 is fixed at one of its ends, the opposite end of the cover element 6 being attached to the 2. The head beam 18 is therefore able to move between the chamber 2 and the side edge without the chamber 2. Preferably, the head beam 18 is equipped at each end with a rolling member. intended to travel on the travel routes is laying on parts of the peripheral flange 5 located along the longitudinal edges 4 ₂ of the surface 4.

The other ends of the chains which are not connected to the head beam 18 are intended to be recovered by a recovery device arranged from the chamber 2 and of all types known per se.

The deployment and storage system 8 also comprises a series of carriages 22 providing a temporary connection between the covering element 6 and each chain 12. The covering element 6 is fixed on crosspieces or arches 24 intended to hold in place the covering element 6 above the surface 4. Each arch 24 is fixed at its ends to two carriages 22, one of which cooperates with a chain 12 and the other cooperates with the other chain 12. The deployment / storage system 8 also comprises a system 26 acting on the carriages 22 to secure them with the chain 12 during the deployment of the cover element 6 and to separate them from the chain 12 when storing the element of 6. It should be noted that the covering element 6 cooperates during its deployment and storage with a drum 27 carried by the connecting shaft 15.

For example, the system 26 comprises, as explained in patent EP 0 634 981, a finger carried by each carriage 22 and adapted to engage between two hinge pins 13 so as to constitute a means of temporary connection between the chain The system 26 also comprises for each chain 12, a rail 29 extending at the level of the chamber 2 and ensuring the separation of the chain 12 with respect to the carriages 22 during the movement of the chain 12 according to the sense of storage. During this phase, the carriages 22 which are disengaged from the chain 12 are stored on the rear part of the rail 29 while the chains 12 enter the storage system provided for this purpose.

The foregoing description relates to a deployment / storage system 8 implementing a flexible tarpaulin 6 driven in displacement by means of rigid chains 12, but it is clear that the storage installation 1 according to the invention can be put into operation. implemented for a different deployment / storage device 8 whose cover element and / or the displacement system are different from those described.

The storage facility 1 also comprises a telescopic crew 30 guided in vertical displacement inside the chamber 2, with the aid of a guiding system 31. It should be understood that the telescopic crew 30 partially supports the deployment / storage system 8 and in particular the connecting shaft 16 and the chain drive sprockets.

This telescopic crew 30 which is equipped with a roof 33 for closing the chamber 2, is vertically updatable to occupy, on the one hand, a retracted position in which the roof 33 extends substantially at the peripheral range of the surface 4 (Fig. 1) and secondly, an extended position in which the roof 33 delimits above the chamber 2, a passage window 35 for the cover element 6 (Figures 2 and 3). Thus, in the extended position of the telescopic crew 30, the roof 33 (which is partially shown in Fig. 1) protrudes from the peripheral area 5 of the surface 4, as shown in Fig. 7.

It should be understood that when the deployment / storage system 8 is stored inside the chamber 2, the roof 33 closes the chamber 2 in the continuity of the peripheral area 5 of the surface 4, the closing roof 33 is coated with a material preferably, but not exclusively, identical to that used as coating of the peripheral area of the surface 4. When the covering element 6 covers the surface 4, the telescopic assembly 30 protrudes by ratio at the level of the surface 4 to allow the deployment and storage operations of the head beam 18, the cover element 6 and the chains 12.

According to the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the roof 33 is in the form of a horizontal part monobloc. According to a preferred embodiment, the roof 33 has a front portion extending substantially horizontally and a rear portion hinged to the front portion on the opposite side of that defining the passage window 35.

The storage facility 1 according to the invention also comprises a motorized system 50 for vertical displacement of the telescopic crew 30 between its retracted position and its extended position. According to the invention, the motorized system 50 comprises a mechanism 51 for automatically lifting the telescopic crew 30, permanently exerting on the telescopic crew, a lifting force to ensure the displacement of this telescopic crew between its retracted position and its out position. In other words, this lifting mechanism 51 permanently exerts a vertical force to lift the telescopic crew 30. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the lifting mechanism 51 comprises at least one and in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, two compression springs 52 mounted between the chamber 2 and the telescopic assembly 30. As more specifically shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, each compression spring 52 is mounted inside a cylinder 53 provided with a bottom 54 mounted integral with the telescopic assembly 30. The compression spring 52 is supported, on one side, on the bottom 54 and on its opposite side, on a sole 55 fixed to the upper end of a tube 58 rising vertically inside the chamber 2. Each tube 58 is fixed by any suitable means on the bottom of the bedroom 2.

Each bottom 54 of the cylinder 52 is fixed to a support beam 60 forming part of the telescopic assembly 30. Advantageously, the bottoms 54 of the cylinders 53 are fixed in the end regions of the support beam 60. Each compression spring 52 is able to occupy on the one hand, a compressed position (Fig 6A) for which the telescopic crew 30 occupies a retracted position and secondly, a so-called detent position (Fig 6) for which the telescopic crew 30 is in its out position. As will be explained in the following description, the compression springs 52 are dimensioned so as to lift the telescopic crew from its retracted position to its extended position and to support the load of the telescopic crew. occupying his exit position.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the lifting mechanism 51 comprises two compression springs 52. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the lifting mechanism 51 comprises four compression springs 52 for lifting a roof 33 heavier than that raised in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the motorized system 50 comprises a controlled system 61 making it possible to control the lifting mechanism 51. This controlled system 61 makes it possible to control the lifting force applied to the telescopic crew, by the mechanism of lifting 51 so as to position the telescopic crew is in its retracted position, or in its extended position.

The controlled system 61 for controlling the lifting mechanism 51 comprises at least one and in the illustrated example, a motorized winch 63 rotating a drum 64 supported according to a preferred embodiment by the support beam 60. The winch 63 thus comprises a motor member 65 preferably electrical, supported by the telescopic crew and in particular by the support beam 60. The motor member 65 is mounted to cause the rotation of the drum 64 in one and / or the other of these directions of rotation.

The drum 64 ensures the winding and unwinding of at least one and in the illustrated example, two slings 66 acting on the telescopic crew 30 to control the lifting force applied by said lifting mechanism 51. slings 66 are mounted between the telescopic assembly 30 and an anchor 67. Each sling 66 thus has one end attached to the drum 64 while its opposite end is attached to the anchor 67 which is made of any suitable material and in all suitable places. for controlling the lifting force applied by the lifting mechanism 51. Each sling 66 is a rope or chain. Advantageously, the two slings 66 are wound near each end of the drum 64.

According to an advantageous example of embodiment, each sling 66 cooperates with at least one return pulley 69 for multiplying the antagonistic force to the lifting force exerted by the lifting mechanism 51. In the examples illustrated in the drawings, the pulleys 69 are attached to the bottom of the chamber 2, so that each sling 66 has a first strand extending substantially vertically between the drum and the neighboring pulley and a second strand extending substantially vertically between the pulley return close to the anchorage 67.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the anchor 67 is located on the support beam 60 while the slings pass around a return pulley being moved by the winch 63 mounted on the support beam 60. Of course, the anchor 67 may be arranged at a wall of the chamber 2, for example on a vertical wall defining the Chamber 2 as in the example illustrated in Figure 7. Similarly in the illustrated examples, the motorized winch 63 is mounted on the telescopic assembly 30. It is clear that it can be envisaged to mount the motor winch 63 to the the interior of the chamber 2 while the anchorage 67 of the sling 66 is formed on the telescopic assembly 30 and in particular on the support beam 60.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, each sling 66 cooperates with a single return pulley 69 while in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, each sling 66 is guided by two return pulleys 69 fixed on the bottom of the chamber, being spaced apart so as to be positioned substantially vertically above the drum 64 and the vertical wall of the chamber 2, respectively.

The operation of the motorized winch 63 is controlled by a control unit not shown but known per se. This control unit is used to control the control system 61 of the lifting mechanism 51 for controlling the operation of the motorized winch 63 to automatically move the telescopic crew 30 from its retracted position to its extended position, and vice versa. It should be understood that this control unit makes it possible to control the rotation of the winch causing winding or unwinding of the slings 66 around the drum 64 having the effect of adjusting the vertical position of the moving assembly 30. Thus the winding of the slings 66 around the drum 64 causes a lowering of the telescopic crew 30 while the unfolding of the slings leads to the lifting of the telescopic crew 30.

According to a preferred embodiment, the installation comprises a device for detecting the retracted positions and the output of the moving equipment 30. This detection device is connected to the control unit to enable control of the operation or the shutdown. motorized winch 63 when the moving equipment 30 occupies either its retracted position or its exit position. Of course, such a detection device can be made in any appropriate manner, for example by position sensors.

According to a preferred embodiment, the installation comprises at least one system 31 for vertical guidance of the telescopic crew 30. In the example illustrated, the installation comprises two systems 31 for vertical guidance of the telescopic crew 30, installed at the ends of the support beam 60. Each guide system 71 comprises at least one and in the illustrated example two slides 72 supported by a profile 73 shaped "U" which is fixed to the support beam 60. The two slides 72 of a guiding system cooperate with a slide 75 fixed on a wall of the chamber 2.

It follows from the foregoing description that the installation according to the invention is simple and inexpensive to implement. Its operation is simplified since it is sufficient to control the rotation of the winch 63 to control the lifting force exerted permanently by the springs 52 on the moving element 30. Indeed, the compression springs 52 in the compressed position constitute a reserve of progressive energy, this compression of the springs being ensured by the winding of the slings by the electric winch. The recovery of stored energy is done by the reverse operation for the unwinding of the slings to release in a controlled manner the movement of the telescopic crew 30. It should be noted that the total weight of the telescopic crew 30 varies in In particular, this weight decreases while the energy reserve of the springs decreases so that the dimensioning of the lifting mechanism is limited. The installation according to the invention is very simple to manufacture and install while presenting a modest cost. Finally, this installation does not include a mechanism using grease fluids that are always a source of pollution.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown because various modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims

1 - Storage installation (1) inside a chamber (2), a device (3) for covering and uncovering a surface (4) with a cover element (6) moved using a deployment / storage system (8), the installation comprising:

- a telescopic crew (30) guided in vertical displacement inside the chamber, supporting, at least in part, the storage / deployment system (8) and provided with a roof (33) for closing the chamber ( 2), this telescopic unit (30) being displaceable to occupy on the one hand, a retracted position in which the roof (33) extends substantially at the level of the peripheral area (5) of the surface (4) and of on the other hand, an extended position in which the roof (33) delimits above the pit, a passage window (35) for the cover element (6) for covering or uncovering the surface;

- a motorized system (50) of vertical displacement of the telescopic crew (30) between its retracted position and its extended position;

characterized in that the motorized system (50) comprises:

- A mechanism (51) for automatic lifting of the telescopic crew (30) exerting permanently on the telescopic crew a lifting force to ensure its movement between its retracted position and its extended position;

- a controlled system (61) for controlling the lifting mechanism (51), comprising at least one motorized winch (63) rotating a drum (64) for winding and unwinding at least one sling (66) acting on the telescopic crew (30) to control the lifting force applied by said lifting mechanism;

- and a control unit of the control system (61) of the lifting mechanism (51) for controlling the operation of the motorized winch (63) in order to automatically pass the crew telescopic (30) from its retracted position to its extended position, and vice versa.

2 - storage installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the drum (64) winding of the winch (63) is mounted integral with the telescopic crew, the drum being rotated by a motor member (65) supported by the telescopic crew.

3 - storage installation according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the drum (64) ensures the winding of two slings (66) winding near each end of the drum.

4 - storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each sling (66) cooperates with at least one return pulley (69) to increase the counterforce force to the lifting force exerted by the lifting mechanism (51).

5 - Storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lifting mechanism (51) comprises at least one compression spring (52) mounted between the chamber (2) and the telescopic crew (30). ).

6 - storage installation according to claim 5, characterized in that the lifting mechanism (51) comprises at least two compression springs (52) mounted between the chamber (2) and a beam (60) of the telescopic crew.

7 - storage installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the beam (60) of the telescopic crew is provided with a roof (33) for closing the chamber (2),

8 - Storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one system (31) for vertical guidance of the telescopic crew (30) having at least one slide (72) carried by the telescopic crew and cooperating with a slide (75) fixed on the chamber (2).

9 - storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a device for detecting at least the retracted and exit positions of the telescopic crew (30), this detection device being connected to the control unit for controlling the operation or stop of the motorized winch.

10 - Storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the telescopic crew (30) is provided, as a storage / deployment system (8):

A translation drive mechanism (10) for at least one rigid chain (12) at least in horizontal thrust and having an end connected to a head beam (18) to which the cover element is attached ( 6);

• carriages (22) providing a temporary connection between the horizontal thrust chain and the cover element (6), a system acting on the carriages (22) to secure them with the chain during a deployment and disconnect them from the chain during storage;

A guide (20) for recovering the horizontal thrust chain.